On 12th March, the Assomela Marketing Committee analyzed stocks and the market situation.
In line with what has been happening since December, sales were lively in February as well exceeding 205,000 tons, which means stocks on March 1st were 781,038 tons, i.e. 15% less than the average of previous seasons (excluding of course March 2018, characterized by the lack of produce of 2017).
A perfect balance between de-stocking and production is registered for all varieties. When it comes to Golden apples, stocks are below 400,000 tons, i.e. 16% less than the average of previous years and with good sales in February. The same goes for Red Delicious, with a stock 22% lower than in the past seasons.Gala sales in February were lively and exceeded 36,000 tons.
Granny Smith stocks on March 1st were 30% lower than the average and Fuji also did well. For all other varieties, especially club ones, de-stocking plans are proceeding as envisaged at the start of the campaign.
The evolution of the scenario is perfectly in line with what envisaged at the start of the season, so the development of sales and quotations is looking good.
As for the situation caused by Covid-19, Italian companies are now working at full capacity to guarantee supplies and have immediately adopted all the measures necessary to safeguard their personnel and continue their activity.
The current overdemand caused by consumers stocking apples is met where possible by increasing shifts. Logistics is not easy at the moment, but the produce is indeed reaching distribution platforms regularly.
Considering the unpredictable evolution of things, Assomela will issue a further update next week.